Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: A Detailed Comparison

Top Compras Updated: December 31, 2024

Apple Watch Ultra 2

7.8/10
Apple Watch Ultra 2
$719.99
Exceptionally bright display (up to 3000 nits)
New S9 chip for faster processing
Double tap feature for convenient interaction
vs

Apple Watch Series 8

7.5/10
Apple Watch Series 8
$399.99
Fast charging
Always-on display
Advanced fitness tracking

Quick Overview

A detailed comparison between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 8, covering their features, performance, pros, and cons.
## Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Apple Watch Series 8: Detailed Comparison

It’s hard to choose between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Series 8. Both devices are great smartwatches, but they cater to different needs and lifestyles. Let’s do a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.

Display and Design

Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts an extremely bright display with up to 3000 nits of brightness. This makes it incredibly comfortable to read even in direct sunlight. The titanium case and sapphire glass display make them a durable and reliable choice. However, due to their size, they may seem a bit bulky to some users.

The Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, features an all-in-one display, which is handy for quick browsing. The watch is sturdy, but the aluminum screen is prone to scratches, so a screen protector wouldn’t hurt.

Performance & Features

Inside the Ultra 2 is the new S9 chip, providing accelerated data processing and improved performance. Double Tap is a revolutionary feature that allows you to operate the watch without using the screen. It also provides longer battery life of up to two days.

The Series 8 can be charged using the Fast Charge function, which is convenient for quick charging. The watch also features advanced fitness tracking and comprehensive health monitoring functions, including a temperature sensor and blood oxygen level monitor. However, the battery life is short - about one day - and requires daily recharging.

Health & Fitness

Both watch models do an excellent job of fitness tracking, but the Ultra 2 is geared toward outdoor activities and comes with features such as a siren, dive computer, and dual-frequency GPS.

The Series 8 offers advanced fitness tracking with customizable workout and heart rate zones. They also have vehicle collision detection, which is a great safety feature. However, a blood oxygen sensor is not available on the new US Ultra 2 due to a patent dispute. The Ultra 2’s sleep tracking is also not always accurate, especially bedtime tracking.

User Impressions

To me, the Ultra 2 feels like a rugged little computer worn on the wrist. The action buttons are useful for quickly changing settings, and the double-tap function has become a staple for me.

The Series 8 is an indispensable daily partner, with notifications, music control, and fitness tracking. The Series 8’s temperature sensor is a great way to cycle. useful for tracking, but doesn’t display actual values; The Series 8’s digital crown sometimes fails, causing unintentional volume changes.

Pros and Cons

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Pros:

  • Display: Very bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight.
  • Performance: Faster processing and improved performance thanks to the new S9 chip.
  • Interaction: Convenient interaction with dual-touch function.
  • Battery: Long battery life, up to 2 days.
  • Durability: Titanium body and sapphire crystal display provide superior durability.
  • Outdoor features: Siren, dive computer and dual-frequency GPS make them suitable for outdoor activities.

Disadvantages of Apple Watch Ultra 2:

  • Blood Oxygen Sensor: Disabled on newer US devices.
  • Price: Expensive, making them a significant investment.
  • Size: Bulky size may not be convenient for all users.
  • GPS: GPS accuracy is unstable in dense urban environments.
  • Sleep tracking: Inaccurate sleep tracking, especially during waking hours.

Benefits of Apple Watch Series 8:

  • Charging: Fast charging for quick power on.
  • Display: Always-on display for easy access to information.
  • Fitness: Advanced fitness tracking with customizable workouts.
  • Health: Comprehensive health monitoring including temperature measurement.
  • Integration: Seamless integration with iPhone.
  • Durability: Rugged design with shock, dust and water protection.

Cons of Apple Watch Series 8:

  • Battery: Battery life is short and requires daily charging.
  • Screen: The aluminum screen scratches easily.
  • Features: Few new features and iterative updates over Series 7.
  • Digital crown: Digital crown may malfunction, causing unintended volume changes.

Final Thoughts

Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 8 are great smartwatches, but they meet different needs: the Ultra 2 is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who need a rugged and durable device; the Series 8 is a health and fitness-oriented, versatile smartwatch that’s perfect for everyday use. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.

Specification

FeatureApple Watch Ultra 2Apple Watch Series 8

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Pros

  • The display is exceptionally bright (up to 3000 nits) and readable in direct sunlight.
  • The new S9 chip provides faster processing and improved performance for tasks like Siri and double tap.
  • The double tap feature offers a convenient way to interact with the watch without using the screen.
  • The battery life is significantly longer than other Apple Watches, lasting up to two days with normal use.
  • The titanium case and sapphire crystal display provide excellent durability and scratch resistance.
  • The inclusion of features like the siren, dive computer, and dual-frequency GPS makes it suitable for outdoor activities.

Cons

  • The blood oxygen sensor is disabled on new units sold in the US due to a patent dispute.
  • The price is high, making it a significant investment compared to other smartwatches.
  • The size and bulk may not be comfortable for all users, especially those with smaller wrists.
  • GPS accuracy can be inconsistent in dense urban environments with tall buildings.
  • Some advanced features like offline maps are limited to specific regions and may not be available everywhere.
  • The sleep tracking feature is not always accurate, particularly the in-bed time tracking.

Apple Watch Series 8

Pros

  • Fast charging allows for quick power-ups, convenient for daily use.
  • Always-on display provides easy access to information without raising the wrist.
  • Advanced fitness tracking with customizable workouts and heart rate zones.
  • Comprehensive health monitoring, including heart rate, blood oxygen, and temperature sensing.
  • Seamless integration with iPhone for notifications, calls, and Apple Pay.
  • Durable design with crack resistance, dust tightness, and water resistance.

Cons

  • Temperature sensor data may not be readily accessible or useful for all users.
  • Battery life is limited to about a day with normal use, requiring daily charging.
  • The aluminum screen scratches easily, requiring a screen protector or careful handling.
  • The device is an iterative update, with few new features compared to the Series 7.
  • Digital crown can misfire, causing unintended volume changes.
  • Some features like blood oxygen monitoring and car crash detection may not be used by all users.

Quick Verdict

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Read Full Review

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts or those who want a durable watch that can accommodate their busy lifestyles. The improved brightness, new processor, and double-tap gestures make them a worthy upgrade, especially compared to older models. The battery life is a big bonus.

8.5/10
Features
9/10
Performance
6.5/10
Value
9.2/10
Quality
7.8/10
Overall

Apple Watch Series 8

Read Full Review

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a great choice for Apple users who want a good fitness tracker with solid health features. The temperature sensor is an added benefit, and the collision detection feature will keep you from worrying about your health. However, if you have a Series 7, it may not be worth upgrading your device unless you need new sensors.

8/10
Features
8.5/10
Performance
7/10
Value
7/10
Quality
7.5/10
Overall

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Buy

Apple Watch Ultra 2

$719.99
7.8/10

Apple Watch Series 8

$399.99
7.5/10